Sokoto State Government says only five malaria-related deaths were recorded at the Kofar-Kade Primary Health Centre in Sokoto North Local Government Area in the last one month.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Al-mustapha Othman, made the clarification while briefing newsmen in Sokoto shortly after he led officials of the ministry on assessment visit to the centre.

Othman said that no fewer than 390 patients were admitted at the facility during the period under review.

He said, ”Out of these cases, only 190 cases were confirmed to be malaria, and of the malaria cases, only five deaths were recorded, contrary to 48 deaths earlier reported by some media.

” The rest of the patients admitted at the centre were as a result of other diseases.

”We have taken some blood samples which are currently being analysed at the medical laboratories of the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto and the Epidemiological Unit.”

Othman said that the state government had also purchased assorted drugs and medicament worth about N10 million.

The permanent secretary said that the drugs were distributed to all health facilities across the state.

According to him, the drugs were being dispensed free to all categories of patients across the state.

”The ministry has also partnered with the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency to evacuate heaps of refuse in the affected areas.

” The ministry has also fumigated the areas against mosquitoes with a view to keeping malaria at bay.

” We have intensified social mobilisation campaigns on the need for people to ensure personal and environmental hygiene,” Othman, said.

Similarly, the permanent secretary said that the state government was committed to providing qualitative healthcare delivery for its citizenry to enhance their living standard.

“Every month, three hospitals will be selected to undergo general renovation, best of what obtains anywhere in the world, to meet the needs of our people.

“We are committed to their welfare, and we still intend to do more to enhance their living standard,’’ he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Sokoto.

Othman, while commenting on the ongoing renovation of Tureta General Hospital, said that the ministry officials would continue to monitor progress of work to ensure quality delivery by the contractors.

He called on the people to support the state government policies in achieving the desired goals for the overall development of the state, and the country at large.